P-009 open vs laparoscopic vs robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair: a case series

Aim Minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair is thought to be associated with fewer complications. To address this hypothesis, we compared short- and long-term complications in patients undergoing elective open (Lichtenstein), laparoscopic (TAPP) and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair (rTAPP). Material & Methods Patients undergoing either, Lichtenstein, TAPP or rTAPP at our institution between January 1st 2017 and December 30th 2019 were retrospectively identified. Short (haematoma, seroma, surgical-site infections) and long-term complications (chronic pain, recurrence) were recorded and compared between groups. Results 636 patients were included in the study. 370 were treated with Lichtenstein, 125 TAPP and 141 with rTAPP. There was a significant overweight of men in all groups (p < 0,001). Among the rTAPP group, the overall rate of complications was reduced (open: 10.0%; laparoscopic: 8.8%; robot-assisted 5.7%) while the presence of chronic pain was slightly more prevalent (Lichtenstein: 1.6%; TAPP: 1.6%; rTAPP: 2.1%). The rate of recurrence was lower following rTAPP (Lichtenstein: 3.8%; TAPP: 2.4%; rTAPP: 1.4%). Same day discharged was more likely following the open technique (open: 88.9%; laparoscopic: 78.4%; robot-assisted 78.7%). Nevertheless, these results were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions The present case series demonstrates a comparable rate of short and long-term complications following open and minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair. The trend towards a lower overall complications rate and recurrence rate, though not statistically significant, implies that minimally invasive surgery might be associated with a lower complication and recurrence rate. However, a larger prospective study design with a longer follow-up is needed to test this hypothesis.